Eastern Conference

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The Eastern Conference thus far has been completely backwards compared to what most expected, with the exception of a few teams.

Few would have predicted the Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Carolina Hurricanes and Buffalo Sabres would all in danger of missing the playoffs. But here we are, and that scenario, although still unlikely, is a possibility.

11. New York Islanders

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After years of rebuilding, the New York Islanders are finally showing improvement. They currently sit eighth in the East, but I don't see that sticking. Lack of experience and poor defense will catch up eventually.

5. New York Rangers

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Who would have thought that after adding Rick Nash to an already dominant team that the New York Rangers would find themselves in danger of missing the playoffs?

If their first game following the trade deadline which saw them ship superstar Marian Gaborik to the Columbus Blue Jackets, new additions Derick Brassard and Ryane Clowe stole the spotlight as the Rangers once again look like a top team in the league.

Expect their recent strong play to continue as New York climbs their way up the Eastern standings.

2. Boston Bruins

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The Boston Bruins have been one of the most dominant and consistent teams in the league this season. They currently sit three points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the division lead, and I think they'll overtake it before the season comes to a close.

Oh, and did I mentioned they added one of the best players of all time to their roster? Might as well crown them Northeast champs today.

1. Pittsburgh Penguins

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The Pittsburgh Penguins have looked shaky since losing Sidney Crosby to injury, but this team is simply too talented to let the Eastern lead slip away.

Crosby (if he returns before the end of the season), Evgeni Malkin, Jarome Iginla, James Neal, Chris Kunitz, Marc-Andre Fleury, Kris Letang, Pascal Dupuis, Douglas Murray, Thomas Vokoun, Brenden Morrow....sounds more like an All-Star team than an actual NHL roster.

14. Colorado Avalanche

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The Colorado Avalanche, with the amount of young talent they have on the roster, should be higher up in the standings. But with the contractual issues with Ryan O'Reilly and injuries to Gabriel Landeskog and Steve Downie, they fell behind early and never caught up.

12. Columbus Blue Jackets

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The Columbus Blue Jackets have been the story of the year this season, pushing for a playoff position with the incredible play of Bobrovsky.

At the deadline they acquired Marian Gaborik to increase their chances, but the fact remains that there are still many more talented teams in the West, and Bobrovsky's play is bound to slip at some point.

Whether they make the postseason or fall short, this has still been a great season for Columbus, who for years couldn't catch a break.

11. Dallas Stars

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After adding Derek Roy, Jaromir Jagr and Ray Whitney to the roster, the Dallas Stars looked like they'd be one of the stronger teams in the West this season. But here we are, with 11 games left in the season. The Stars have traded Roy and Jagr and sit 10th in the conference. Things simply didn't work out as planned.

10. Nashville Predators

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For years, the public perception was that Shea Weber and Pekka Rinne led the Predators to success. But since losing Ryan Suter, Weber has had less of a presence and the performance of the team has suffered.

They'll still come close to making the postseason but will fall just short.

7. St. Louis Blues

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After almost winning the Western Conference last year, the St. Louis Blues have had a rough ride. But the fact remains that they have a plethora of young, talented players on the team who will push their way into the playoffs.

5. Minnesota Wild

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The Minnesota Wild got off to a slow start this year after acquiring some big names in the summer. But it finally looks like the team is starting to mesh. The question is, will they be able to top the Canucks for the Northwest lead?

4. Los Angeles Kings

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The LA Kings have been good this year, but they definitely don't look like the team that won the Stanley Cup last year. But then again, they didn't look like that team in the regular season last year either.

The Kings will make the playoffs. And that fact alone should scare a lot of teams.